Next Goal Wins: Release date and where to watch in Australia


Next Goal Wins
Image source: TMDB

Taika Waititi’s follow-up to Jojo Rabbit is the sports comedy Next Goal Wins, a film adaptation of the 2014 documentary of the same name. 

Starring Michael Fassbender, it follows a Dutch-American coach who’s on the brink of losing his job, unless he accepts an impossible one: transform the national football team of American Samoa, one of the weakest teams in the world, into an elite squad just in time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

What’s in this Guide?

Next Goal Wins release date

The Next Goal Wins movie was initially released on 17 November 2023 in the US. Nearly two months later, it hit Australian theatres on 1 January 2024.

For those who haven’t seen it, it’s still available to watch in selected cinemas across the country. 

TitleRun TimeIMDb
Next Goal Wins (movie)1h 52m6.5/10

Will Next Goal Wins be available on streaming? 

The movie will first have its theatrical run, which just started weeks ago. After that, its distributor Searchlight Pictures will release the film on digital platforms, initially becoming available on pay per view services like Apple TV, Prime Video Store, Google Play, and other similar platforms.

Since it’s customary for movies to land on streaming apps later on, we can speculate that Waititi’s new film will be on Disney Plus, following in the footsteps of other Searchlight Pictures releases like Theater Camp, The Menu, Jojo Rabbit and The Banshees of Inisherin, just to mention a few.

Stream Disney+:From only $13.99/month!Watch Now

Where to watch the Next Goal Wins documentary? 

The 2024 film is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. It follows real-life coach Thomas Rongen during his training with American Samoa’s national football team to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Fortunately, documentary-dedicated app DocPlay streams the film on demand, as well as Stan. Both offer free trials so you can sign up and watch the docu-film instantly. 

Stream DocPlaywith a 14-day free trial!Watch Now

What is the plot of Next Goal Wins? 

Dutch American football coach Thomas Rongen is not having the best time of his life, career-wise. Facing imminent termination, he accepts a seemingly impossible job: to train the American Samoa national team, who, during the 2001 FIFA match, lost 31–0 to Australia. 

While it became the biggest winning margin in an international match and was a downright triumph for Australia, American Samoa faced the indignity of being one of the worst teams in the world. Down on his luck, Rongen agrees to take on the job of getting the team better to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Waititi directed the film from a script he co-wrote with Iain Morris. Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, directors of the 2014 documentary, served as producers with Waititi, Jonathan Cavendish, and Garrett Basch.

Next Goal Wins trailer

Check out the trailer for the new sports comedy film right here. 

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Cast of Next Goal Wins

The cast of Next Goal Wins features the following actors, alongside their respective characters.

  • Michael Fassbender as Thomas Rongen 
  • Oscar Kightley as Tavita 
  • Kaimana as Jaiyah Saelua 
  • David Fane as Ace 
  • Rachel House as Ruth 
  • Beulah Koale as Daru Taumua 
  • Will Arnett as Alex Magnussen 
  • Elisabeth Moss as Gail 
  • Uli Latukefu as Nicky Salapu
  • Rhys Darby as Rhys Marlin
  • Angus Sampson as Angus Bendleton
  • Luke Hemsworth as Keith
  • Kaitlyn Dever as Nicole
  • Chris Alosio as Jonah
  • Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi as Pisa
  • Semu Filipo as Rambo

Latest movie releases on streaming

The movie won’t be on any paid subscription streaming yet, as it’s still being shown in Australian theatres. We’ve rounded up some of the latest movies you can watch instantly on demand at home instead.

Alternatively, you can search for more movies online using our streaming search bar below.

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